Arapawa goats

Press, 20 February 1979, Page 18

Arapawa goats

Sir, — I was interested to read the letter by Irene Ramsay (February 17) which supports the contention that the goats are in fact “Old English.” I wonder what she would say to the official Forest Service policy as given to me by Ken Miers. This is that the goats are no better or different from those roaming the hills throughout New Zealand. When asked why the Goat Breeders’ Association are registering them as a breed, or why the Department of Lands and Survey wants to transfer 100 to Nelson for research and to conserve the breed or about the waiting list we hold from farmers for Arapawa goats, he relied: “They could get better ones from the freezing works in Wairarapa.” This could be forgiven were it not that he advises the Minister and instructs the Conservator of Forests in Nelson who advises and sits on the Parks Board. — Yours, etc.,

A. A. ADCOCK, Secretary, Arapawa Island Wildlife Trust. February 18, 1979.

Sir, — As one of the protesters returned from Arapawa Island, may I publicly express my utter disgust at the needless waste of a valuable farm animal. The reserve now stinks with the odour of rotting goats, slaughtered and left by the Forest Service shooters. No effort was made to bury, or hang them in trees as required by the Hydatids Act. I understand that the Minister told Parliament that carcases would be buried or hung in a tree. What can be done about this? — Yours, etc., M. A. BLACKBURN. February 18, 1979.